Cub Cadet GT1554 - Manual (Page 20)

20
IMPORTANT: The oil fill cap/dipstick must be installed
securely onto the tube at all times when the engine
is operating. Severe engine damage could result from
a failure to do so.
• Start the tractor engine and allow it to run for thirty
seconds, then stop the engine and remove the
ignition key.
• Check the oil level and add oil if necessary. Do not
overfill the engine crankcase.
• Examine the area around the base of the oil fill
tube, the oil filter adapter, and the oil drain valve for
leaks before operating the tractor.
IMPORTANT: If leaks are present, have your engine
serviced by your Cub Cadet dealer before operating the
tractor.
Air Filter
The engine is equipped with a replaceable, high density
paper air cleaner element and an oiled, foam
precleaner. Always examine the air cleaner before
starting the engine. Check for a buildup of dirt and
debris around the air cleaner system. Keep this area
clean. Also check for loose or damaged components.
Replace all bent or damaged air cleaner components.
NOTE: Starting the tractor with loose or damaged air
cleaner components could allow unfiltered air into the
engine causing premature wear and failure.
Precleaner
Wash and re-oil the foam precleaner every 25 hours of
operation if equipped, (more often under extremely
dusty or dirty conditions).
• Pivot the air cleaner cover upward and unhook the
wire latch which secures the element in place.
• Carefully remove the precleaner from around the
air cleaner element.
• Wash the precleaner in warm water with detergent.
Rinse the precleaner thoroughly until all traces of
detergent are eliminated. Squeeze out excess
water (do not wring). Allow the precleaner to air dry.
• Saturate the precleaner with new engine oil.
Squeeze out all excess oil.
• Reinstall the precleaner over the paper element.
• Lower the wire latch to secure the element in place
and pivot the air cleaner cover downward.
Paper Element
The paper element should be replaced at least once a
season, or every 100 hours of operation. Replace
more frequently if the tractor is operated under
extremely dusty conditions. To replace the paper
element, proceed as follows:
• Pivot the air cleaner cover upward and unhook the
wire latch which secures the element in place.
• Remove the air cleaner element with precleaner.
• Carefully remove the precleaner from the element
and service as instructed earlier in this section.
IMPORTANT: Do not wash the paper element or use
pressurized air, as this will damage the element.
Examine the element and discard if dirt and/or damage
is present.
NOTE: Handle new elements carefully; do not use if
the sealing surfaces are bent or damaged.
• If any loose dirt or debris fell on the air cleaner base
when the element was removed, carefully remove it
and wipe the base clean. Be careful that none of it
drops into the intake.
• Check the air cleaner base. Make sure it is secured
and not damaged. Also check the air cleaner cover
for damage or improper fit. Replace all damaged air
cleaner components.
• Install the precleaner over the new paper element
and reinstall the element.
• Lower the wire latch to secure the element in place
and pivot the air cleaner cover downward.
Spark Plugs
Once a season, or every 100 hours of operation,
remove the spark plug(s), check condition, and reset
the gap or replace with a new plug(s) as necessary.
• Lift the tractor’s hood and locate the spark plug wire
on the front, right area of the engine.
• Carefully pull the spark plug wire boot(s) off of the
spark plug(s).
• Before removing each spark plug, clean the area
around the base of the plug to keep dirt and debris
out of the engine.
• Using a ratchet with a 5/8-inch spark plug socket,
remove the spark plug and check its condition.
• Replace the plug if worn, dirty or damaged. Reuse
only after resetting the gap as instructed.
NOTE: Do not clean the spark plug with an abrasive
grit. Some grit could remain in the spark plug and enter
the engine causing extensive wear and damage.
• Check the gap using a feeler gauge and adjust, if
necessary, by carefully bending the ground
electrode. See Figure 13. Set the spark plug gap to
0.030 in. (.76 mm).
• Reinstall the spark plug into the cylinder head.
Torque the spark plug to 28/32 ft. lb. (38.0/43.4
N·m ).
• Place the spark plug wire boot over the spark plug
and press until you feel it “click” in place.